Christmas on a Budget

We have been busy sending out orders over this busy period but in amongst sending all your lovely orders out we have found time to decorate the Dotty Fish office. Our Christmas tree is up, and we have had a bit of a craft session in the office and made origami stars and paper craft baubles. We were all reminiscing on our childhood making paper chains. It just goes to show how much fun making things can be and the memories from childhood really don’t have to cost a fortune. With that in mind this month’s blog is all about Christmas on a budget and that often means making things yourself.

Homemade Christmas

Can you make it yourself? There is something quite special about a homemade gift. I know not everyone is crafty and sometimes the equipment needed is expensive, but some things can be made cheaply and beautifully. If you have a little one in nursery and they have a room full of assistants, managers and then their actual keyworker buying something small for each person soon adds up. When you have more than one child this can often become prohibitive and yet you still want to show your appreciation.

Pinterest is full of ideas for gifts in a jar from little succulents planted in a jar to mini hot chocolate jars complete with a little mini bottle of Bailey’s tied to it. I also love these little teacakes that have been turned into mini Christmas puddings. You could put these into a little bag along with a teabag as a little tea time treat along with a card to say how much you appreciate the care they show your child. It’s the thoughtful gesture rather than the cost of things that matters.

Christmas Crafts

Little one’s love making things and Christmas is the perfect time to get out the paint and glue. We have a Pinterest page that is full of Christmas Crafts perfect for little ones to get stuck into. Here at Dotty Fish HQ we got our decorations out and had a go at making a few of them ourselves. We have resisted the urge to put glitter all over the office although we do have glitter paint on our front door! Our windows are decorated with snow and Percy and Pip are playing in the ‘snow’. We used stencils and they are great for making your own Christmas Cards, especially good if you have slightly older children or you are using paint.

Grandparents, friends and family love getting handmade cards. Why not let the smallest members of the family make your cards this year?

Wrapping up Warm

If you are heading out to any carols by candlelight or you are going ice skating, then wrapping up warm is the name of the game. For little ones in pram’s and buggies why not keep our Fleece Lined Suede Slippers on? They are sure to keep feet toasty warm.

We also have some fun festive themed legwarmers which are perfect for layering up and adding a fun Christmas twist to any outfit. Our legwarmers are made from a stretchy cotton mix and can be worn pulled up over the knee. We also have a lovely selection of knitted leggings. These cotton mix leggings are really stretchy and keep little legs warm. The snowflake pair is great for winter although any of them add layers and warmth.

Don’t forget all our festive themed legwarmers, leggings and tag blanket are included in our Dotty Deal up to the 20th December 2018. Our beautifully made Rudolph shoes are also included. All selling at a reduced price to give you a chance to grab any last minute stocking fillers or gifts for little ones.

Festive Footwear

If you are looking for the perfect pair of little shoes for this time of year, either as a present or just to jazz up your child’s wardrobe then we have a lovely collection of soft leather shoes. Rudolph the Reindeer is joined by both Percy Penguin and new for this year, Pip the Polar Bear. All these shoes are made using baby safe leather and have a non-slip soft suede sole. They are great for babies and toddlers who are learning to walk and make ideal indoor slippers. They can be added to Christmas Eve boxes so that your little one is dashing around on Christmas Morning safely without slipping over. All our shoes retail for £8.99-£9.99 and are made from baby safe leather. They are quality shoes at affordable prices.

Christmas Eve Boxes

This has become a big thing over the last few years and is such a lovely idea. You can put your own little boxes together with lots of Christmas Eve magic mixed in. Taylor it to the ages of your children and what they like. A little story that can become a favourite over the next few weeks is a good idea. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas story, just one that you can cuddle up and read to them to calm them down on this exciting night. Hot chocolate is always a lovely treat, with a few marshmallows.

Reindeer food is also a great idea – this is just some oats in a little packet that they can sprinkle outside for Santa’s reindeer. A new pair of PJ’s or even just washing their old pair and putting them inside the box. That way you know they will have clean pj’s in all the Christmas morning photos. Our cosy fleece lined slippers make a great addition, we have them in Tan, Navy, Soft Pink and Grey. You may want to add a DVD that the whole family can watch on Christmas Eve. Whatever you decide to put in the box it is all about making it magical and creating memories and traditions.

Party Shoes

At Dotty Fish we love a party and we love shoes! Our Shimmy Shoes range is the perfect party shoe for growing little feet. They have a rubber sole that is still flexible enough for them to move their feet naturally while providing enough grip and protection. We have three girls’ styles to choose from and one smart shoe specially for boys. The navy blue or red Emily T-Bar shoes are classic shoes that are perfect for wearing with all those party dresses and can be dressed down as well. The black patent leather Sophie shoes are such pretty party shoes.

For smartening up an outfit Oliver is ideal. They are a classic design made using soft leather. These shoes come delivered in a shoe box and have a Velcro fastening so they are easy to put on squirmy little feet. If you are looking for our traditional soft soled shoes then our T-bar range is perfect as a party shoe. We have a sparkly silver or rose gold pair as well as navy and red.

If you are ordering any of our shoes, bibs or bobs then have a look at our blog about Christmas Posting Dates to make sure your parcels arrive in plenty of time.

From our family to yours at this special time of year we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Size Guide

Measuring your child’s foot for the best size.

Babies and toddlers feet can vary greatly in size. The best way to determine the correct shoe size for your child is to measure the child’s feet by following our simple guidelines that accompany the size guide.

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